Pineda replaced the band's original lead singer Steve Perry in 2017
Jon M Chu is making a film about Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda.
Deadline reports that Crazy Rich Asians director Jon M Chu will be making a film about Journey’s lead singer Arnel Pineda.
Pineda replaced the band’s original lead singer Steve Perry in 2017 after being discovered on YouTube by Journey co-founder Neal Schon.
The 51-year-old Filipino singer has been accredited for reviving Journey and bringing them back to stadiums again. Chu’s film will document how Pineda became an overnight rockstar.
“The success of Crazy Rich Asians has blown my mind and set me on a path to champion more unique inspirational stories that represent new perspectives from all around the world,” Chu said in a statement to Deadline.
“This story in particular has been on my mind since I first read about it years ago. A true fairy tale and triumph of the human spirit. An unlikely hero, an undeniable talent, the power of music and a worldwide stage (literally) has all the ingredients I love about movies.”
“Plus I have been a fan of Journey’s music since I can remember. I am excited to be bringing the audience along on this incredible story with my partners at Warner Bros who have been a leading champion of diverse voices in front and behind the camera.”
Warner Bros, the studio behind the film, is negotiating to license the original Journey songs including ‘Don’t Stop Believin’.
The studio has acquired the rights to the 2012 film Don’t Stop Believin’: Everyman’s Journey, which documented Pineda’s rise.
In other news, Chu will be honored at Kore Asian Media’s 2018 Unforgettable Gala alongside Sandra Oh and John Cho.